Have you ever walked through a garden and caught the sweet scent of stock flowers (Matthiola incana)? These flowers are a treat for the nose, bringing life to any garden with their bright colors and lovely smells. They belong to the Brassicaceae family and are perfect for cottage gardens. Let's explore how to grow and enjoy these beautiful flowers in your garden.
Introduction to Matthiola Flowers
Matthiola flowers, also known as stock or gilly flowers, are a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements. The original Matthiola incana has been widely grown and mixed, offering many colors. These flowers have a sweet, spicy scent, like a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla.
The stock flower history goes back to the 18th century. Thomas Jefferson brought them to his Monticello gardens. In the language of flowers, they symbolize lasting beauty and a joyful life. That's why they're often used in weddings and celebrations.
Matthiola flower characteristics include a wide range of colors, from whites and pinks to purples and maroons. They bloom for about two months, from spring to early summer. There are over 50 species of Matthiola flowers.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Native Origin | Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region |
| Cultivation History | Cultivated since at least the 16th century for ornamental use and as a cut flower |
| Flower Form | Single and double-flowered varieties, with some strains producing up to 80% doubles |
| Fragrance | Delicate, spicy-sweet scent often described as a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla |
| Bloom Time | Approximately two months, from spring to early summer |
| Species Diversity | Over 50 species within the Matthiola genus |
Growing Matthiola Flowers
To grow how to grow stock flowers well, you need the right matthiola flower growing conditions. They love full sun to partial shade, needing 2-3 hours of sunlight daily. They do best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Make sure the soil stays moist but not too wet.
You can start matthiola flower planting from seeds or move them from pots. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at 65-75°F. For better growth, transplant seedlings 6 inches apart. Stock prefers cooler weather and stops flowering when it gets too hot.
In warmer places, stock might act like a biennial or short-lived perennial. It gets sturdier and more woody with time. Here are some tips for the best results:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden for wintering and blooming the next summer.
- Pinch off the top tips in spring to make the plants fuller and more flower-filled.
- Keep them well-spaced and well-ventilated to avoid mildew.
| Matthiola Flower Planting Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 10 days at 18-20ºC |
| Planting Depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature Plant Size | Height: 1 to 2.5 feet, Spread: 1 to 2 feet |
| Planting Spacing | 12 to 18 inches |
| Flowering Period | June to September |
Matthiola Flower Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are key for matthiola flowers to stay healthy and bloom well. Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Don't let the plants dry out, as this can cause them to wilt and get stressed. Stock flowers don't need a lot of fertilizer but do well with good nutrition. It's best to avoid too much nitrogen, which can make stems weak. A soil test can help figure out what nutrients you might need.
Watch out for pests like aphids, thrips, and caterpillars. Also, diseases such as gray mold, leaf spot, and root rot can happen if the air is poor, if there's too much water, or if it's too humid. It's important to check for and deal with pest or disease issues quickly to keep your matthiola plants healthy.
- Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging
- Fertilize moderately, avoiding high nitrogen levels
- Monitor for common pests like aphids, thrips, and caterpillars
- Watch for fungal diseases like gray mold, leaf spot, and root rot
- Promptly address any pest or disease problems to maintain plant health
By following these matthiola flower care tips, you can help your stock flowers grow well and enjoy beautiful blooms all season.
Harvesting and Handling Matthiola Flowers
Harvesting and handling Matthiola flowers, also known as stock, is key to keeping them fresh and long-lasting. The best time to pick them is when about one-third to one-half of the florets are open. Make sure the buds are still showing good color and size. It's important to be gentle with the stems to avoid damage. Bruising or breaking can ruin the flowers' look and value.
Stock flowers are very sensitive to ethylene gas. This gas can make the blooms age faster and cut their vase life short. To fight this, use ethylene inhibitors like 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) or silver thiosulfate (STS) before storing or moving them. After picking, let the stems sit in cold water overnight and keep them cool, between 36-41°F. With the right care, stock flowers can stay fresh in a vase for 7-10 days.
| Treatment | Effect on Stock Flower Vase Life |
|---|---|
| 1-MCP or STS | Increases vase life by inhibiting ethylene effects |
| Cold storage (36-41°F) | Maintains freshness and delays maturation |
| Floral preservatives | Significantly extends vase life of cut stock flowers |
| Hydrators and holding solutions | Increases water uptake and encourages flower opening |
By following the best practices for picking and handling stock flowers, growers and florists can keep these lovely blooms looking great and lasting longer. This makes them a joy for customers and designers.
Matthiola Flower Design Applications
Matthiola flowers, also known as stock, are a versatile choice for floral designers. They have a unique spiky shape and come in many colors. These flowers can make any arrangement, centerpiece, or bouquet look better.
Stock flowers are great for many designs, especially for weddings and events. They can be used in bouquets and arrangements to add beauty and life.
One creative way to use stock flowers is by placing them beside an altar or other main point. This makes the design look more elevated. For a simple centerpiece, put a bouquet of stock flowers in a glass bowl. It adds fragrance and elegance to the table.
Stock flowers are also perfect for making arm bouquets or presentation bouquets. Their long stems can be held in the arm, creating a striking look. They are also great for corsages, boutonnières, and other wearable flowers because of their sweet scent and beauty.
| Floral Design Application | Suitability of Matthiola Flowers |
|---|---|
| Altar or Focal Point Flanking | Excellent |
| Centerpieces | Highly Suitable |
| Arm Bouquets and Presentation Bouquets | Well-Suited |
| Corsages and Boutonnières | Ideal |
Matthiola Flower Varieties and Colors
The Matthiola genus, also known as stock flowers, has many varieties and colors. Matthiola incana, the original species, has been bred into many different colors. These colors attract gardeners and floral designers.
Matthiola flowers come in many colors like white, yellow, purple, lavender, red, apricot, blue, and rose pink. The Katz Series is known for its many colors. The Iron Series has big, double flowers. The Cinderella Series is compact and has double flowers too. The Starlight Scentsation Series has dramatic clusters of single flowers.
The Antique Pink matthiola has a unique two-tone bloom. It has pale green centers and colorful petals. These flowers can be mixed with amaranth, aster, phlox, and cosmos for beautiful arrangements and landscapes.
If you like the smell or look of matthiola flowers, this group has many options. You can use them in your garden or in floral designs.
Conclusion
Matthiola flowers, or stock, are a favorite in gardens and floral designs. They bring together fragrance, color, and versatility. These flowers are easy to grow, making them great for both new and seasoned gardeners.
To enjoy their sweet scents and bright colors, gardeners need to provide the right conditions. This includes well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture. This way, you can enjoy stock flowers in the spring and early summer.
Matthiola flowers are perfect for borders, cut-flower bouquets, or elegant arrangements. They add beauty and joy to any setting. Their ability to grow in various climates and be bred for specific traits makes them a favorite among gardeners and floral designers.
This guide on Matthiola flowers shows their many benefits. They are easy to grow and have many uses. The summary of Matthiola flowers explains why they are a top choice for gardeners and floral lovers in the U.S.
